Laura Chen
Laura is a PSI-certified pet sitter and travel specialist with expertise in anxiety management and travel preparation. Her guides cover sitter vetting, separation preparation, and pet travel regulations, drawing on Pet Sitters International standards, NAPPS guidelines, and pet first aid certification protocols.
- Credentials
- PSI certified, pet first aid, anxiety management specialist
- Focus
- Sitting
Authored Guides
Caring for Senior Cats: A Pet Sitter's Full Guide
Senior cats require specialized attention from pet sitters, including medication management, mobility support, and awareness of emergency warning signs. This guide covers everything a professional pet sitter needs to know before accepting a senior cat assignment.
Reptile Care for Pet Sitters: A Complete Guide
Pet sitting for reptiles requires precise knowledge of temperature gradients, UV lighting, feeding schedules, and stress indicators. This guide covers everything a pet sitter needs to know about caring for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and corn snakes.
What Pet Sitting Insurance Should Cover
Pet sitting insurance protects sitters and pet owners from financial fallout when things go wrong. This guide explains what policies should cover, from liability and property damage to veterinary emergencies, and highlights the exclusions every sitter must understand.
What to Tell Your Dog Sitter About Your Dog's Breed Traits: High-Energy Working Dogs, Velcro Breeds, and Independent Sighthounds Compared
Breed heritage shapes everything from exercise requirements to escape risk, and a sitter who lacks that context may misread normal behaviour as a crisis, or miss a genuine one entirely. This guide covers the three most commonly misunderstood temperament groups and exactly what to document before you hand over the keys.
Home Pet Sitting vs. Cattery for a Long Holiday: How to Weigh Stress, Familiarity, and Daily Routine for Your Cat
Choosing between a home pet sitter and a cattery for a long holiday is one of the most consequential welfare decisions a cat owner can make. This guide covers how to find, vet, and prepare a professional sitter, with special guidance for anxious and elderly cats.
Briefing a Pet Sitter for a Senior Dog: What Health Records, Daily Routine Notes, and Emergency Contacts to Prepare
Senior dogs require a far more detailed care handover than younger pets, covering medications, mobility needs, cognitive health, and emergency protocols. This guide walks owners through every document, note, and contact a professional pet sitter needs before day one.
Booking a Pet Sitter for Spring Break: Essential Questions to Ask
Spring break is one of the busiest seasons for pet sitters, making early planning and thorough vetting critical. This guide covers the essential questions every pet owner should ask before entrusting their animal to a professional sitter.
The 30-Minute Drop-In: Realistic Expectations for Sitters
A professional breakdown of specific tasks and time management during a standard pet sitting visit. Learn how to align care requirements with industry standards for safety and engagement.
Easter Holiday Pet Care: Professional Sitters vs. Family Favours
Deciding between a professional pet sitter and a family friend for the Easter break requires a careful risk assessment. This guide compares reliability, insurance, and emergency readiness to ensure your pet remains safe while you travel.
Certifications to Look for in a Professional Dog Walker: A Vetting Guide
Hiring a professional dog walker involves more than handing over a key. This guide outlines essential certifications, insurance requirements, and safety protocols to ensure professional care.